Watt Center focuses on 1963

March 11, 2013

BARNESVILLE - If this happened to be 1963, a person couldn't text the news about the "Golden Anniversaries" activities planned at the Watt Center for History and the Arts, but it would be possible to use a touch-tone telephone.

That was the year that this type of telephone was introduced, and many people aren't familiar with anything else.

Some displays at the Watt Center this year, however, will focus attention on 1963. It seems hard to believe but gasoline that year averaged 29 cents a gallon (Of course, the average yearly income was $5,807.)

Article Photos

Photo ProvidedPLANNING for special events and new “Golden Anniversaries” displays at the Watt Center for History and the Arts in Barnesville are volunteers at the center. Officers are, seated, Beverly Hannahs, president, and John Rockwell, vice president, while standing are Joanne Cook, treasurer, and Mary Sidwell, secretary.

Displays aren't the only way that the center is featuring 1963. The center's 2013 calendar depicts highlights that Barnesville experienced 50 years ago. While supplies last, 2013 calendars remain on sale at The Barnesville Enterprise, Antique Mall, Chamber of Commerce office and Do-It-Best Hardware.

Some of the subjects from the calendars will be featured in the Golden Anniversaaries displays throughout the summer, open on special occasions and for groups and others by appointment.

The season at the Watt Center will have a colorful start as the third annual Barnesville Elementary School Art Show with creations by students of teacher Jason Stephen is planned during May. Students will view their entries during the second week in May. Parents and the public will be welcome to attend the show during Mother's Day weekend, May 11-12.

Other special events will include an open house at the Watt Center when the Barnesville High School Alumni Banquet is held in July and the annual used book sale and 5K Pumpkin Run during the Barnesville Pumpkin Festival during the last full weekend in September. Used books in good condition will be accepted for the sale after Aug. 1.

Planning also is under way for speakers at the center.

Watt Center members and friends meet the second Wednesday of each month at 6 p.m. Special work days are held, with the first planned March 13 at 1 p.m., to set up to do maintenance on the historic office building of the former Watt Car & Wheel Co. that houses the center, and to continue cataloguing of artifacts and to set up special displays.

"Volunteers to help with such projects are warmly welcomed," noted a spokesperson.

All who would like to help in preserving local history is asked to contact any Watt Center member or to call volunteers Jean Davies, 425-1497; Mary Sidwell, 926-1547, or Beverly Hannah, 425-1537.